Okay this is totally unrelated to photography but I’ve been wanting to test out the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System. We all know how hazy and dull our headlight lenses get, right? Well there’s a do-it-yourself kit by 3M that helps restore clarity to them. All you need is just a common household drill (1200-1600 rpm) to do all the sanding and buffing. The entire process took me about 45 minutes for both headlight lenses. It was easy to do, but a hot 99 degrees outside so I moved the car to a shady area in my neighborhood.
It’s a great inexpensive fix, probably improves light output which is an obvious safety benefit. The only thing I read somewhere is that hazy dullness is the result of the UV coating accumulating miles and miles of road grime and other environmental elements. So when you do this, be aware that you will be removing the UV coating.
More info here: http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=66666UuZjcFSLXTtnxTXLXTVEVuQEcuZgVs6EVs6E666666–
Overall I’m pleased with the results. I think I could’ve done a better job sanding. But I can always sand & buff again later if and when the haze returns.
Here are some iPhone photos I took to show the results.


99 degrees


I'm using my old Ryobi drill for the job


The 3M compound – the last step for buffing


Passenger side – BEFORE


AFTER!


Driver side – BEFORE


AFTER!









by Armin
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